Devices and methods for preserving liquids, paints, and other materials

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of devices and methods for removing excess air from containers and/or for preserving liquids, paints, and other materials (including semi-liquids and even some solids) that might otherwise dry out, oxidize, or turn bad in some way after being opened, such as paint, wine, food, beverages, etc., when seals of the containers holding the same might be compromised over the passage of time and/or from use, etc.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/198,474 filed Nov. 6, 2008 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/270,840 filed Jul. 14, 2009. The entire disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to devices or preservers and methods for removing excess air from containers and/or for preserving liquids, paints, and other materials (including semi-liquids and even some solids) that might otherwise dry out, oxidize, or turn bad in some way after being opened, such as paint, wine, food, beverages, etc., when seals of the containers holding the same might be compromised over the passage of time and/or from use, etc.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. For example, set forth in this section are various drawbacks associated with containers (e.g., paint cans, etc.) and existing paint preservation systems that the inventor hereof has recognized.

Many liquids and other materials (including semi-liquids and even some solids) can oftentimes dry out, oxidize, or turn bad in some way after their container has been opened, such as with paint, wine, food, beverages, etc. This oftentimes happens when the seals of the containers holding the liquid or other materials are compromised such as over the passage of time and/or from use, etc. For example, paint cans or containers may not be perfectly sealed after they have been opened such that the imperfectly sealed, partially filled containers would contain air in addition to the residual paint or other liquid stored in the container.

Generally, some existing preservation systems take one or more of several approaches to reduce aging, damage, or other undesirable affects: 1) removing air from the container; 2) replacing the air with some other inert gas; 3) reducing the size of the container, such as by partially collapsing or compressing the container to reduce the amount of air inside as the contents are used or depleted; 4) covering the materials to reduce the amount of air flow over the material surface, or reduce the amount of the material that is exposed to the air; and/or 5) improving the seal of the container (without necessarily reducing the interaction of air already in the container).

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of devices and methods for removing excess air from containers and/or for preserving liquids, paints, and other materials (including semi-liquids and even some solids) that might otherwise dry out, oxidize, or turn bad in some way after being opened, such as paint, wine, food, beverages, etc., when seals of the containers holding the same might be compromised over the passage of time and/or from use, etc.

An exemplary embodiment includes an apparatus for positioning within a partially filled container having an interior wall for helping preserve the contents partially filling the container. The apparatus generally includes an inner portion and an outer edge portion disposed generally about the inner portion. The outer edge portion may have greater flexibility than the inner portion. The apparatus may be configured to form a barrier to inhibit the transfer of gas and vapors through the apparatus when positioned within the partially filled container with the outer edge portion sealed and/or conformed against the interior wall.

Another exemplary embodiment includes a device for positioning within a partially filled container for removing excess air from the container for storability of the contents of the container. The device generally includes an inflatable bag positionable within the container. An elongate tube section defines an inflation opening and extends outwardly from the inflatable bag for inflating the inflatable bag while positioned in the container. The elongate tube section may be configured to close the inflation opening when compressed between a lid of the container and a corresponding portion of the container.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of removing excess air from a container generally includes inflating a inflatable device positioned within the container to force out excess air from the container. The method may also include closing an inflation opening of the inflatable device to inhibit deflation of the inflatable device. The inflation opening may be closed by compressing the inflation opening between a lid of the container and a corresponding portion of the container.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective upper view of a preserver according to an exemplary embodiment, and illustrating a tab or handle portion to facilitate removal of the preserver from within a container wherein the preserver has a more rigid inner center section and a thinner, more flexible perimeter rim or ring;

FIG. 2 is another perspective upper view of the preserver shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway view of the preserver shown in FIG. 1, and illustrating the preserver installed within a partially emptied paint can, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is another partial cutaway view of the preserver shown in FIG. 1 again illustrating the preserver installed within a partially emptied paint can, and further illustrating an upwardly curved or contoured edge portion of the preserver, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a preserver according to another exemplary embodiment in which the preserver is inflatable and includes an integrated crushable/closeable fill tube;

FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway view of the preserver shown in FIG. 5 and illustrating the preserver installed within a paint can, where the preserver is shown inflated within the air cavity or space left after removal of paint from the paint can;

FIG. 7 is another partial cutaway view of the preserver and paint can shown in FIG. 6, where the paint can's lid is secured and attached to the paint can such that the fill tube of the preserver is crushingly sealed between the paint can lid and upper edge or rim of the paint can, thus inhibiting the escape of air (or other fluid used to inflate the preserver) via the fill tube and inhibiting deflation of the preserver;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a preserver that may be made from a single piece of material with a tab or handle portion protruding outwardly from the preserver's outer edge to facilitate removal of the preserver from within a container, where FIG. 8B illustrates the tab before it is folded, and FIG. 8A illustrates the tab after being folded;

FIG. 9A illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a preserver having a tab or handle portion protruding outwardly from the preserver's outer edge to facilitate removal of the preserver from within a container, where the preserver also includes a relatively rigid outer ring or perimeter portion and an inner center disk-shaped portion that is constructed of a thinner more flexible material than the outer ring portion;

FIG. 9B illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of a preserver having a tab or handle portion protruding outwardly from the preserver's outer edge to facilitate removal of the preserver from within a container, where the preserver includes a relatively rigid outer edge and an inner center disk-shaped portion that is constructed of a thinner more flexible material than the material forming the outer edge of the preserver;

FIG. 10 is a perspective upper view of another exemplary embodiment of a preserver that comprises a thermoformed, single piece material having a rigid center, a flexible outer ring, and various features or structures to provide rigidity in certain areas, flotation, and some degree of flexing or folding to allow for easier insertion and retraction of the preserver when in use such as an easier fit through a narrower aperture or opening of a can or container;

FIG. 11 is a perspective lower view illustrating the opposite side of the preserver shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a preserver that comprises a thermoformed, single piece material having a rigid center, a flexible outer ring, and various features or structures to provide rigidity in certain areas, flotation, and some degree of flexing or folding to allow for easier insertion and retraction of the preserver when in use such as an easier fit through a narrower aperture or opening of a can or container;

FIG. 13 is an upper view of the preserver shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the preserver shown in FIG. 12; and

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a preserver having a perimeter shape suitable for use with gallon-sized plastic paint containers that may be largely square shaped (exterior and interior, except, for example, where the handle construction alters the interior space/cavity cross section).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include a preserver or device in the form a of a relatively flexible disk (e.g., plastic, PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene, thermoformed material, etc.) for forming a barrier to reduce the transfer of gas and vapors through the preserver. The preserver is intended to be inserted into a storage container (e.g., a paint can that is less than full, partially empty or partially filled, etc.) into the opening or aperture after removal of the container's lid or top. For example, the preserver may be inserted into a partially filled paint can to help preserve the paint.

In various exemplary embodiments, a preserver may comprise two or more layers of plastic or other suitable materials besides plastic. The layers of material may be attached, bonded, or coupled to each other. The upper layer may be fabricated from thicker and/or stiffer material than the lower layer. The upper layer may be configured such that it may be bent or rolled easily with one's hand, but would also generally hold its shape under its own weight (and also hold its shape, for example, if dipped into paint on one side). The upper layer may be attached (heat bonded, glued, or otherwise secured) onto a larger similarly shaped thinner and/or more flexible lower layer forming roughly concentric shapes, e.g., round or other shapes, that roughly match the interior cross sectional shape of the container with the liquid intended to be preserved (such as a paint can). The thinner layer of plastic (or other suitable material) may extend outwardly beyond all sides of the stiffer/heavier center section, to thereby form a relatively flexible outer or perimeter edge portion, rim, or ring.

In various exemplary embodiments, the center, more rigid section might have a “V”, “U” or other shape cut into it to permit a section of the upper layer to be bent back generally perpendicular or partially so from the rest of the material surface to provide for a convenient means to hold the disk securely at or near its center—to install or remove from the container and liquid or material being covered. The bent tab may provide a way to hold the preserver after it has been lifted off the material being covered. And, in the case of covering the paint surface, the preserver may be held by this tab while the paint is brushed off or otherwise transferred to a paint brush or other means of spreading and using the paint.

In various exemplary embodiments, the lower layer may be bonded under the upper layer of thicker and/or stiffer material (and typically on the opposite side as the described cutout or tab for the handle). In use, the lower layer would be placed against the liquid or other material being preserved. The lower layer may form a skirt around the thicker center disk section, where the skirt may be flexible enough to bend back (generally perpendicular to the center section) when inserted into an aperture not much wider than the center thicker section of the preserver. But the lower layer may be sufficiently stiff, however, such that the skirt would return approximately to its original mostly flat shape after insertion.

In various exemplary embodiments, the lower layer might also be heat or otherwise molded so that it retains a curve near its outer edges, such that the edge curves generally up towards relative to the center disk section/handle. The lower layer may be used as the bottom section that is placed against the liquid or material being preserved or shielded from air. In these exemplary embodiments, the curved outer edge may enable a better seal of the preserver against, for example, a paint can wall—as the lower layer may be oversized (or subsequently cut if needed) such that it may be just marginally larger in diameter than the inside of the can. Thus, the curved outer edge would allow this outer, more flexible skirt to curl upwards more easily without buckling or folding, which buckling or folding might otherwise create channels that prevent the preserver from full sealing away air from the material being preserved. In exemplary embodiments, the curved outer edge may engage the side of the can continuously along the entire curved outer edge, not just at several discrete, spaced-apart contact points. This may also help center the preserver and avoid the need for a perfect fit to the container size and yet still provide an effectively good seal against air after installation. It may also avoid the need for users to have to perfectly center or place the preserver in the container (e.g., paint can, etc.) and allows for a good sealing effect on all sides without a perfect placement/centering of the preserver.

In various exemplary embodiments, the lower layer (e.g., the larger, more flexible, softer skirt, etc.) may be provided with relatively small cuts or pleats that extend from the outermost edge generally towards the center of the lower layer. These cuts might be similar to the initial cuts that one would make in starting to cut a pie-shaped section from a circle, starting at the outermost edge. Such cuts might also enable the preserver to fold or curve up to adapt to smaller and varying sized containers without the wrinkling or buckling that would otherwise enable more air to reach the intended covered material, such as paint.

In various exemplary embodiments, the outermost portion of the preserver might be formed from a ring of material instead of a full disk or circle. The ring of material might then have an integral or attached (e.g., bonded) handle or pull tab instead of the cut and bent one as described above. Alternatively, a handle hold could be molded from a stretched (e.g., stretched due to heating, etc.) dimple or bulge in the center disk, to provide a hand hold. Using a ring (as compared to a full/solid disk) may allow for less materials to be used and/or reduced fabrication costs.

In various exemplary embodiments, a preserver may have a monolithic or unitary construction (e.g., FIGS. 8A and 8B, etc.). The preserver may be made from a single piece or layer of flexible material (e.g., plastic, etc.) that allows the preserver to be rolled or flexed to insert into the can or container.

Further, a preserver may be constructed of thinner and/or less rigid material with a stiffer, stronger outer edge, which may be formed through bonding a thicker ring to the outer edge (e.g., FIG. 9B, etc.) or a thicker ring near the outer edge (e.g., FIG. 9A, etc.). The outer ring (or portion thereof) might be raised to allow it to be grasped with fingers to install and remove it from a container. In these examples, the area of the preserver inside the outer ring might be tauter, so as to provide stiffness and function similar to a two-layer preserver as disclosed herein.

In various exemplary embodiments, a preserver includes a stiffer center section that is mostly flat and made from one piece of plastic or other suitable material (and possibly curled generally upwards at the outer edges in a direction generally away from the container's contents). The material(s) used for these embodiments may be able to be cured or rolled to fit into the aperture or opening of the container, thereby enabling the perimeter or outer skirt or edge to extend to a lesser extent outside of the stiffer center section, thus improving the sealing capability with the sidewalls of the container. Continuing with these examples, a handle or tab might be provided, such as with a tab protruding from the outer edge and/or a tab bent or folded back so that it did to extend outside the outer edge of the preserver.

Various exemplary embodiments include a preserver or device having a relatively rigid, mostly-circular center section and a less rigid, more flexible outer skirt or edge. The skirt may comprise an outer ring of material configured to flex and bend to better facilitate passing the preserver or device through a narrower aperture or opening for insertion or retraction. Thus, overall, the preserver would have a relatively rigid center region and a flexible outer or perimeter region, ring, or skirt.

In various exemplary embodiments, a preserver may be constructed with materials and dimensions as follows for use with a standard U.S. gallon-sized paint can. But the materials and dimensions (as are all dimensions and materials) are provided for purposes of illustration only and not for limitation, as embodiments disclosed herein may be configured differently, including different sizes, shapes, materials, etc. Continuing with this example, the center disk section may have a diameter of about 3 inches to about 5 inches (e.g., about 4 inches, about 4.5 inches, about 4 inches to 4.5 inches, etc.) sufficient to retain the flexible outer edge for insertion and especially extraction from the can. The outer ring diameter may be about 6.58 inches to about 6.63 inches, or from about 6.6 inches to about 6.61 inches. The width of the outer ring portion that extends outwardly from the center disk section may be about 0.75 inch to about 1.75 inches or about 1 inch to about 1.5 inches wide.

In various exemplary embodiments, the preserver may be constructed of relatively thin sheet plastic materials, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), Polypropylene, Polyethylene, similar materials with similar properties, etc. These example materials may be used in their relatively rigid form in some embodiments. Material thicknesses in exemplary embodiments may be between about 0.002 inches to 0.01 inches thick or from between about 0.004 inches to 0.008 inches thick. The combined materials, rigid form of the materials, and thickness, together may thus provide a thin but easily bendable material that allows or facilitates curling and bending of the outer ring to be inserted and retrieved from the can or container in which the liquid or material is being stored.

In exemplary embodiments, a preserver may be manufactured from a single thickness sheet and thermoformed to produce the various structural components, features, elements, etc.—some examples of which are shown in the illustrated example of the preserver 600 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In various exemplary embodiments, preservers may be configured to nest or stack tightly upon each other, to facilitate packaging and compact storage in bulk. In addition, an exemplary preserver may include certain structures to facilitate one or more of a rigid center section, flexible outer ring or edge, an easily holdable grip, some degree of flex of the overall part, floatation both in the center section and outer ring (both types of flotation—displacement and trapped air cavities), and an outer ridge or dam between the outer ring and center section to prevent or inhibit liquid from entering the center section (where low areas that provide flotation by displacement—e.g., as boats do—could be flooded or filled with liquid if the dam were not present and the outer ring was temporarily submerged).

In various exemplary embodiments, a preserver includes a spine or grip about ⅜ inches to ¾ inches high that is easily pinched between fingers to hold it securely. In these exemplary embodiments, the grip or spine may be oriented in such a manner as to induce the user to tip the edge of the preserver on either end of the spine into the can or aperture first, where it will also flex to some degree to further ease the flexing of the part as a whole to make it easier to insert through apertures smaller than its overall diameter. The grip or spine may also be configured to provide visual and physical guidance to properly stack or nest parts during the manufacturing process (e.g., to reduce labor and storage costs, and better protect the parts when not in use).

An exemplary embodiment of a preserver may also include elements or features, such as flotation and structural features to provide for a rigid center area and flexible outer ring, yet still provide flotation to reduce or even correct submersion of the preserver when installing or in use. The floatation features may be configured to provide feedback to users, e.g., through resistance when the preserver has reached the surface of the liquid or material being covered (in the same way that a bobber, boat, or buoy resists sinking below the water's surface when pushed). The flotation features on the outer ring may be arranged radially so as to provide flotation yet add minimal stiffness to the outer ring when the preserver is being inserted or retrieved (and needs to flex to fit through narrower apertures). An exemplary embodiment of a preserver may include floatation features in the form of elongated bubbles or blisters in the preserver that define cavities or pockets. By way of example, a preserver may include four to twelve such features arranged radially and spaced apart from each other.

In various exemplary embodiments, a center section of a preserver may be provided with spokes and a concentric ring shaping to provide additional rigidity, and help the center section remain relatively rigid even when fabricated from thinner materials, for example, with thicknesses ranging from about 0.004 inches to about 0.005 inches.

The floatation features, and especially the air cavities that are under the preserver, may reduce the ability of the preserver to be submerged. Also, if the preserver is submerged, the floating features may help keep the preserver from remaining fully submerged and help the preserver remain floating on the surface.

According to additional aspects, there are provided inflatable devices (e.g., plastic bags, balloons, etc.) with a nozzle or inflation tube that can be sealed (e.g., sealed via bending or crushing the tube between the container and the container's lid, etc.). In use, an inflatable device may be positioned (when deflated) into a partially filled container (e.g., paint can, wine bottle, etc.) and then inflated to force out the excess air from the container, in order to improve the storability of the contents of the container (e.g., remove excess air to better preserve the paint, wine, etc.).

In exemplary embodiments, an inflatable device may include an elongated tube section. The tube section may be used to inflate the bag, partially or more, after placement of the bag within the container having the paint or other material (e.g., wine, etc.) to be preserved. This design of an inflatable preserver would essentially remove most of the air that was in the container (attributable to a less than full container). The air would be forced from the container when the bag is inflated via blowing air into the tube attachment. The bag would then be left in the container as the lid or top was secured—forcing any extra air from the bag as the lid pressed onto the inflated bag. Then, as the lid was sealed, the tube section would be flattened and pressed against the container lip or edge by the lid as it was pressed into place (as with metal paint cans) or screwed tight (as with plastic paint cans or other jars).

In this exemplary embodiment, the bag could further be shaped to be roughly cylindrical shaped (in the case of metal paint cans, or other shapes to approximate the shape of the container). In addition, the bag might be shaped to be slightly wider and relatively flat on the bottom (air tube is at the top area or near the top) so that the surface of the paint or other material being covered will be better sealed against any residual air in the container, and thus, any residual air was more likely in the top area near the lid. Not only might the inflatable device be flatter in its shape near its bottom, it might also be wider to ensure better sealing against the side of the container (to seal against any residual air in the top of the container on the outside of the bag). But in any case, these exemplary designs and methods may be used for removing air from the container and essentially sealing the air in a bag to keep it from interacting with the container contents (e.g., keeping the paint from drying or “skinning over”, etc.).

Further, the bag could be comprised of two chambers or be designed to add one or more bags vs. partially filling the bags when the container is still mostly full (less air space in the container or can needing to be replaced by the bag).

The inflatable bag or device with integrated fill tube represents one of the variations or alternative embodiments for protecting contents of a container from air (reducing drying and curing) by either creating a barrier to exposed air or otherwise removing the air from the container in a manner that reduces the exposure of the contents to air and especially the surface of the contents.

Accordingly, various exemplary embodiments include preservers, tools, systems, and methods that may be useful for preserving paints, liquids, and other materials in partially filled containers or where the lid has been lost, is damaged, or otherwise not functioning as intended to fully seal the container (e.g., a metal paint can, plastic paint can, etc.).

With reference now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a preserver 100 in the form of a relatively flexible disk having a generally circular shape. As shown, the preserver 100 includes a tab or handle portion 104 configured to facilitate removal of the preserver 100 from within a container (e.g., paint can 101 partially filled with paint 103 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, etc.). In this example, the preserver 100 includes a more rigid inner center section 108 and a thinner, more flexible perimeter or outer rim, ring, or edge portion 112. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary manner by which the outer edge portion 112 of the preserver 100 may be upwardly curved or contoured against sidewalls 105 of a paint can 101.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, the preserver 100 in this illustrated embodiment (and other embodiments) may be formed from at least two layers 116, 120 of the same material or different materials (e.g., plastic, etc.). The layers 116, 120 may be attached, bonded, or coupled to each other in a variety of ways (e.g., adhesively bonded, heat bonded, glued, or otherwise secured, etc.). This exemplary double-layered construction provides the preserver 100 with the more rigid inner center section 108. But the outer edge portion 112 does not include any portion of the upper layer 116, thus making the outer edge portion 112 more flexible than the center section 108.

Depending on the particular configurations (e.g., thicknesses, materials used, etc.), the upper layer 116 may have a flexibility less than, more than, or about equal to the lower layer 120.

The upper layer 116 may be fabricated from thicker and/or stiffer material than the lower layer 120, such that the upper layer 116 is stiffer and not as flexible as the lower layer 120. By way of example, the upper layer 116 may be formed from the same material but at a greater thickness than the lower layer 120, such that the upper layer 116 is thicker and has less flexibility than the lower layer 120. Or, for example, the upper layer 116 may be formed from a stiffer, less flexible material that is different than the material from which the lower layer 120 is formed. Depending on the relative flexibility of the different materials, the upper layer 116 may have a thickness greater than, less than, or about equal to the thickness of the lower layer 120. In various exemplary embodiments, the upper layer 116 is configured or formed such that the upper layer 116 may be bent or rolled relatively easily with one's hand, but the upper layer 116 would also generally hold its shape under its own weight (and also hold its shape, for example, if dipped into paint on one side).

The lower layer 120 may be more flexible and less stiff than the upper layer 116. As noted above, the lower layer 120 may be formed from the same material or from a different material than the upper layer 116. As shown by FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower layer 120 may be configured or made from a sufficiently flexible material to allow the outer edge 112 to be upwardly curved or contoured against the sidewalls 105 of the paint can 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer edge 112 is an integral portion of and formed from the same material as the lower layer 120. In other embodiments, the outer edge 112 may comprise a separate piece that is attached to and/or formed from a different material than the lower layer 120.

The upper and lower layers 116, 120 may have the same, but differently sized, shapes (e.g., generally circular or round, rectangular, etc.). Or, for example, the upper and lower layer 116, 120 may have different shapes. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper and lower layers 116, 120 are both generally circular, but the diameter of the upper layer 116 is less than the lower layer 120. As shown, the upper layer 116 may be attached (heat bonded, glued, or otherwise secured) onto the larger similarly shaped thinner and/or more flexible lower layer 120 forming roughly concentric shapes that roughly match the interior cross sectional shape of the container with the liquid intended to be preserved (e.g., paint 103 within the paint can 101 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), etc.). In this example, the lower layer 120 of plastic (or other material) extends outwardly on all sides of the stiffer/heavier center section 108, to thereby form the relatively flexible outer edge 112.

The tab 104 is formed by way of a generally U-shape cut into the upper layer 116 of the preserver 100. The tab 104 is bent back to provide a convenient means to hold the preserver 100 relatively securely at or near its center, such as when installing or removing the preserver 100 from a container and liquid or material being covered. This bent tab 104 also provides a method to hold the preserver 100 after it has been lifted off the material being covered. And, the preserver 100 might be held by the tab 104 while paint from the bottom surface of the lower layer 120 is brushed off or otherwise transferred to a paint brush or other means of spreading and using the paint.

In various exemplary embodiments, the outer edge 112 of the preserver 100 may be configured such that it retains the curved shape shown in FIG. 4. In these embodiments, the curved outer edge 112 may enable a better seal of the preserver 100 and a container wall. The preserver 100 may be sized marginally larger in diameter than the inside of the container. In which case, the curved outer edge 112 might then allow this outer, more flexible edge or skirt 112 to curl upwards more easily without buckling or folding. Buckling or folding may create channels that would otherwise prevent the preserver 100 from full sealing away air from the material being preserved. But in this example embodiment, the preserver 100 may engage and seal against the side of the can continuously along the entire curved outer edge 112. In this exemplary embodiment of the preserver 100, the curved outer edge 112 may also help center the preserver 100 and provide an effectively good seal against air after installation even if the preserver 100 is not an exact, perfect fit to the container size.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a preserver 300 that may be made from a single piece or layer of material (e.g., plastic, etc.). As shown, the preserver 300 has a monolithic or unitary construction. The preserver 300 may be made from a flexible material (e.g., plastic, etc.) that allows the preserver 300 to be rolled or flexed to insert into the can or container.

The preserver 300 includes a tab or handle portion 304 that protrudes outwardly from the preserver's outer edge 312. The tab 304 may facilitate removal of the preserver 300 from within a container. FIG. 8B illustrates the tab 304 before it is folded upwardly. FIG. 8A illustrates the tab 304 after being folded upwardly.

FIG. 9A illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a preserver 400 that includes a relatively rigid outer ring 412 and an inner center disk-shaped portion 408 constructed of a thinner and/or more flexible material than the outer ring portion 412. The preserver 400 includes a tab or handle portion 404 protruding outwardly from the preserver's outer edge 412. The tab 404 may facilitate removal of the preserver 400 from within a container.

FIG. 9B illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of a preserver 500 that includes a relatively rigid outer ring 512 and an inner center disk-shaped portion 508. The inner center disk-shaped portion 508 is constructed of a thinner and/or more flexible material than the material forming the outer edge 512 of the preserver 500. The preserver 500 includes a tab or handle portion 504 protruding outwardly from the preserver's outer edge 512. The tab 504 may facilitate removal of the preserver 500 from within a container.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a preserver or device 600. In this example, the preserver 600 may be thermoformed from a single piece of material so as to have a rigid center 608, a flexible outer ring or edge 612, and various features or structures to provide rigidity in certain areas, flotation, and some degree of flexing or folding to allow for easier insertion and retraction of the preserver 600 when in use such as an easier fit through a narrower aperture or opening of a can or container.

The preserver 600 may be made from a single thickness sheet and thermoformed to produce the various structural components, features, elements, etc. In this example, the preserver 600 may be nested or stacked tightly upon another preserver 600, which would facilitate packaging and compact storage in bulk.

In this example, the preserver 600 includes a grip or spine 604. The grip 604 may be configured to be easily pinched between fingers to hold it securely. The grip 604 may be oriented in such a manner as to induce the user to tip the edge of the preserver 600 on either end of the grip 604 into the can or aperture first, where it will also flex to some degree to further ease the flexing of the part as a whole to make it easier to insert through apertures smaller than its overall diameter. The grip 604 may also be configured to provide visual and physical guidance to properly stack or nest preservers 600 during the manufacturing process (e.g., to reduce labor and storage costs, and better protect the parts when not in use, etc.).

The preserver 600 also includes a ridge or dam 624 between the outer ring 612 and center section 608. The dam 624 may be configured to prevent or inhibit liquid from entering the center section 608.

The preserver 600 further includes spokes 628 and a concentric ring shaping 632 to provide additional rigidity. The additional rigidity may help the center section 608 remain relatively rigid even when fabricated from thinner materials.

The preserver 600 may also include floatation features to provide flotation to reduce or even correct submersion of the preserver 600 when installing or in use. The floatation features may be configured to provide feedback to users, e.g., through resistance when the preserver has reached the surface of the liquid or material being covered (in the same way that a bobber, boat, or buoy resists sinking below the water's surface when pushed). As shown in FIG. 10, the preserver includes elongated bubbles or blisters 636 that define cavities or pockets 648 (FIG. 11). The floatation features, and especially the air cavities or pockets 648 under the preserver 600 may reduce the ability of the preserver 600 to be submerged. Also, if the preserver 600 is submerged, the floatation features may help keep the preserver 600 from remaining fully submerged and help the preserver 600 remain floating on the surface.

FIGS. 12 through 14 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a preserver 700. In this example, the preserver 700 may be thermoformed from a single piece of material so as to have a rigid center section 708, a flexible outer ring or edge 712, and various features or structures (e.g., spokes 728, etc.), for example, to provide rigidity, flotation, and/or some degree of flexing or folding to allow for easier insertion and retraction of the preserver 700 when in use such as an easier fit through a narrower aperture or opening of a can or container.

FIG. 15 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a preserver 800 having a center section 808 and an outer or perimeter edge 812. In this example, the preserver has a non-circular perimeter shape suitable for use containers having a corresponding interior shape. For example, the preserver 800 may be used with a gallon-sized plastic paint container that may have a generally square shaped exterior and interior, except perhaps where the handle construction alters the interior space/cavity cross section.

According to additional aspects, there are provided inflatable devices (e.g., plastic bags, balloons, etc.) with a nozzle or inflation tube that can be sealed (e.g., sealed via bending or crushing the tube between the container and the container's lid, etc.). In use, an inflatable device may be positioned (when deflated) into a partially filled container (e.g., paint can, wine bottle, etc.) and then inflated to force out the excess air from the container, in order to improve the storability of the contents of the container (e.g., remove excess air to better preserve the paint, wine, etc.).

By way of example, FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable device 200 (e.g., plastic bag, etc.) that may be positioned within a partially empty container, such as the paint can 201 in FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown, the inflatable device includes an elongated tube section 240. The tube section 240 may be used to inflate the bag 244, partially or more, after placement of the bag 244 within the container having the paint 203 (FIGS. 6 and 7) or other material (e.g., wine, etc.) to be preserved. This inflatable preserver 200 would essentially remove most of the air that was in the container 201 (attributable to a less than full container). The air would be forced from the container 201 when the bag 244 (FIG. 6) is inflated via blowing air into the tube attachment 244. The bag 244 would then be left in the container 201 as the lid or top 207 (FIG. 7) was secured—forcing any extra air from the bag 244 as the lid 207 pressed onto the inflated bag 244. Then, as the lid 207 was sealed, the tube section 244 would be flattened and pressed against the container lip or edge 209 by the lid 207 as it was pressed into place (as with metal paint cans) or screwed tight (as with plastic paint cans or other jars).

In this exemplary embodiment, the bag 244 could further be shaped to be roughly cylindrical shaped (in the case of metal paint cans, or other shapes to approximate the shape of the container). In addition, the bag 244 might be shaped to be slightly wider and relatively flat on the bottom (air tube 240 is at the top area or near the top) so that the surface of the paint or other material being covered will be better sealed against any residual air in the container, and thus, any residual air was more likely in the top area near the lid. Not only might the inflatable device 200 be flatter in its shape near its bottom, it might also be wider to ensure better sealing against the side 205 (FIGS. 6 and 7) of the container (to seal against any residual air in the top of the container on the outside of the bag). But in any case, these examples may be used for removing air from the container and essentially sealing the air in a bag to keep it from interacting with the container contents (e.g., keeping the paint from drying or “skinning over”, etc.).

Further, the bag 244 could be comprised of two chambers or be designed to add one or more bags vs. partially filling the bags when the container is still mostly full (less air space in the container or can needing to be replaced by the bag).

The inflatable device 200 with integrated fill tube 240 represents one of the variations or alternative embodiments for protecting contents of a container from air (reducing drying and curing) by either creating a barrier to exposed air or otherwise removing the air from the container in a manner that reduces the exposure of the contents to air and especially the surface of the contents.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, and 3-9.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. 

1. An apparatus for positioning within a partially filled container having an interior wall for helping preserve the contents partially filling the container, the apparatus comprising an inner portion and an outer edge portion disposed generally about the inner portion, the outer edge portion having greater flexibility than the inner portion, the apparatus configured to form a barrier to inhibit the transfer of gas and vapors through the apparatus when positioned within the partially filled container with the outer edge portion sealed and/or conformed against the interior wall.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner portion and outer edge portion comprise a single thermoformed sheet of material.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a thermoformed single sheet of material such that the outer edge portion comprises an outer ring section of the thermoformed sheet that is more flexible than the inner portion, which is a center section of the thermoformed sheet.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a single sheet of material thermoformed to have one or more structural features to add rigidity and/or enhance flotation.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: one or more radially-extending spokes configured to increase rigidity of the inner portion; and/or one or more rings concentric with a center of the inner portion and configured to increase rigidity of the inner portion.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more bubbles and/or blisters extending upwardly relative to an upper side of the apparatus and defining one or more cavities and/or pockets thereunder, the one or more cavities and/or pockets configured such that air may be trapped therein above a surface of a liquid in the container to thereby increase buoyancy of the apparatus.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more concentric rings including at least one ring taller than the outer edge portion of the apparatus for inhibiting liquid from passing internally beyond the at least one ring.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a spine extending upwardly from the inner portion, the spine configured to be gripped by a user and to allow at least some flexing of the inner portion.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner portion and outer edge portion have a monolithic single component structure.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle portion to facilitate installation of the apparatus into the container and/or removal of the apparatus from the container.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner portion and outer edge portion are generally circular shaped such that the outer edge portion defines a ring generally circumferentially about the inner portion.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer portion is concentrically disposed about the outer edge of the inner portion.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes upper and lower layers of materials stacked on each other.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the lower layer is more flexible than the upper layer.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the upper and lower layers comprise generally circular concentric shapes.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a footprint of the lower layer is larger than a footprint of the upper layer such that a portion of the lower layer extends outwardly beyond the footprint of the upper layer to thereby form the outer edge portion that is more flexible than the inner portion formed by the stacked portions of the upper and lower layers.
 17. A method of removing excess air from a container, the method comprising: inflating an inflatable device positioned within the container to force out excess air from the container; and closing an inflation opening of the inflatable device to inhibit deflation of the inflatable device by compressing the inflation opening between a lid of the container and a corresponding portion of the container.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising positioning the inflatable device within a container partially filled with paint, and whereby the removal of excess air from the container better preserves the paint.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein closing the inflation opening includes closing the lid of the container on top of the inflation opening.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein: the inflatable device includes an elongate tube section defining the inflation opening; and closing the inflation opening includes compressing a portion of the elongate tube section between the lid and the corresponding portion of the container.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein closing the inflation opening includes closing the lid of the container on top of a portion of the elongate tube section.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein: the inflatable device includes an inflatable bag; the elongate tube section extends outwardly from the inflatable bag; and inflating the inflatable device includes blowing air into the elongate tube section to inflate the inflatable bag while positioned in the container.
 23. A device for positioning within a partially filled container for removing excess air from the container for storability of the contents of the container, the device comprising: an inflatable bag positionable within the container; and an elongate tube section defining an inflation opening and extending outwardly from the inflatable bag for inflating the inflatable bag while positioned in the container, the elongate tube section configured to close the inflation opening when compressed between a lid of the container and a corresponding portion of the container.
 24. The device of claim 23, wherein tube section is configured such that at least an end portion of the elongate tube section is external to the container when the inflatable bag is in the container.
 25. The device of claim 23, wherein the inflatable bag has a shape complementary to the shape defined by the interior of the container.
 26. The device of claim 23, wherein the inflatable bag includes a bottom portion wider and flatter than an upper portion of the inflatable bag, for sealing against the interior of the container. 